Off-duty NYC firefighter killed in suspected road-rage attack

NEW YORK (AP) -- An off-duty New York City firefighter was killed in a suspected road-rage incident following an early morning collision on a Brooklyn highway.

Police say officers found 33-year-old Faizal Coto lying next to his damaged 2008 Ford Mustang with head and face trauma around 4:45 a.m. Sunday on the Belt Parkway.

Police say Coto and another driver collided as they merged on the roadway, and pulled over to the side. Authorities say the other driver fled shortly after.

Police are looking for a gray or silver Infiniti G35, with driver's side damage and New York plate JEA 2402

Coto was with the fire department for three years. He was assigned to a Coney Island engine company.

He was also an aspiring rapper and hip hop artist performing under the name FAIYA.

Friends paying respects to the family of Firefighter Faizal Coto--a 3-year veteran of the @FDNY--say he had a heart of gold, a peacemaker and that if he died as a result of #roadrage, he would have been trying to deescalate the situation. #FDNY#1010WINSpic.twitter.com/BCl8PIWiZZ